Burns jumps out in front at Rolex TOC

Sam Burns fell one shot short of the course record at Lancaster (Pa.) Country Club, but a 6-under 64 was good enough to give him a two-shot lead after the first round of the AJGA Rolex Tournament of Champions.

Burns, who advanced to U.S. Open Sectional Qualifying last month, birdied his first three holes before adding three more birdies on the back nine.

“Putting was the best part of my game today; making a 12-footer on No. 14 was huge,” Burns said.

Robert Deng is in solo second place after carding a 4-under 66. Brendon Doyle is third at 3 under while Matt Gilchrest, who won the FootJoy Invitational last month, is among those tied for fourth at 2 under. Doug Ghim and Harold Calubid are also 2 under.

Bethany Wu, who won the Annika Invitational earlier this year, and Karen Chung lead the girls division after each shot 2-under 68. Lilia Vu and Robynn Ree are one shot back at 1 under.

Wu made three birdies, including two on par-5s, and just one bogey. Chung, who finished second at this event in 2009 and 2012, made four birdies on the front nine, including three straight, at Nos. 2-4.